6 Exciting Takeaways for Red Sox Fans After Spring Training Opener
By Ryan Bunton
5. Mark Contreras Making a Case for Himself Again
Outfielder Mark Contreras went yard for the second time in as many days on Saturday, making his presence known with little guaranteed for him as a non-roster invitee. After hitting a three-run shot in an exhibition contest against Northeastern University on Friday, the left-handed hitter took Jonathan Heasley deep to right field at the top of the third inning.
The 29-year-old Contreras has 58 major league at-bats under his belt and hit .121 with only seven hits while adding three home runs and six RBI.
A ninth-round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2017, Contreras spent six seasons in the Twins organization. The California native played his college ball at UC Riverside, earning All-Big West Conference honors in his last two collegiate seasons. In 90 games at Triple-A St. Paul in 2023, Contreras hit .274 with 10 home runs, and 54 RBI, and also showcased some speed on the basepaths with 23 stolen bases.
Contreras is a long shot to make the major league roster, but spring training is also the perfect time of year to celebrate these underdog type of players.